Chimney expertise, anyone?

Good evening.
This afternoon I climbed up on the roof to check the downspouts,
and I found the chimney cap to be in rather sad condition:
http://rainchain.drizzlehosting.com/chimney
Can any of our resident chimney experts suggest what needs to be
done here? Obviously a new chimney cap is in order. Perhaps I can
simply replace the existing cap with a stainless steel cap that fastens
around the exposed flue liner? Or should I be worrying about the
condition of the flue liner? If so, what needs to be done?
The chimney is used only by an oil-fired gas furnace.
Thanks!
-Mark

I'm no expert, but looking at those pics, I wouldn't fire up that furnace
yet.
Not only does that look un-safe, I doubt that it meets current codes.
The liner appears to have some cracks and obviously the cap is shot. I'm
surprised animals haven't made a home in there over the summer.
I would install the proper (per code) liner pipe inside the existing with a
new cap.
It appears that you may have the room to do this, but I don't know what size
flue is required for your furnace. You may need an HVAC pro to install it
and flash around the top as well.

Yeow!
Looks like you have had some chimney fires.....
The ceramic lining in the actual chimney is shot.
You can see the erosion on the sides.
Get a Heating Sheet Metal Shop/Man to come and inspect......
A cap would be the last thing I would worry about....
They may be able to put a "liner" in the flue?
jloomis

The chimney looks ok , if you can get a cap the fits with screen to
keep out the birds ok, you could reuse that one with rebar cut and
cemented in, then cover the opening around with screen. I would not
worry as other worry warts are.

If you want to fill any cracks one way is to force a snug fitting
rubber ball down the chimney to where the liner starts and then throw
some loose refractory grout down on top of it. Then pull the ball up
with the rope slowly while checking that the grout is around the edges
and being forced into the cracks. Add more grout if needed. When the
ball gets to the top your chimney should be repaired but you should
install a new cap. I have done this a few times with good results. I
have used a flat disk with a wooden rod through the ball and a hook or
eye bolt on the top to tye the rope to.

Log in

HomeOwnersHub.com is a website for homeowners and building and maintenance pros. It is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.